In a way, Sammamish City Council meetings and other public ones might not be the same on the Plateau - what without Stan Bump in the audience.
He and his wife, Ellie, were city residents from 1992 until recently, when they moved to a new place in Issaquah.
Bump attended so many meetings - and also served on the Planning Commission - that he was a bit like that character, Norm, from that popular television series, "Cheers," from the 1980s and 1990s.
Everyone, it seemed, knew Stan Bump.
He has a sharp eye for catching typographical errors in city documents. He showed up and participated in meetings - reviewing proposals, listening and asking questions.
Last week, the City Council gave Bump, who was a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, and his wife a proclamation to honor their community service.
The elected officials thanked him for his contributions to the city and designated June 24 as "Stan Bump Day."
After he received the honor, residents and city officials chatted with him and offered their congratulations. A city staff person gave Ellie Bump flowers.
Then - in what was a new moment for recent City Council meetings - Stan and Ellie Bump left the building.
Inside, the City Council continued with civic business.
